Athena's Pov

I wiped my hands on my jeans, trying to wave off the unsettling feeling that's growing in me. I need to be more confident. But facing a killer with short-temper isn't part of my expertise.

As I step inside the living room, Ares notices me first and subtly taps on Hades’ thigh to make him aware of my presence. Both of them silently watch me stepping inside and when my shoes make a noise on the wooden floor, grandpa and Zephyr look in my direction as well.

Almost instantly grandpa’s face lit up while his middle child simply stared at me with indifference. I gulped due to the constant undivided attention of the brothers as it made me uncomfortable.

“Athena, come sit.” I could clearly hear the joy in grandpa's voice.

I loved that I made his day, simply by my presence. He surely loves me more than his sons. It makes me feel guilty that after everything he's done for me, I still refused to talk to him.

We haven't really talked in three days. Tristan fed me the first day and since then I only took lunch and refused each time grandpa brought breakfast and dinner. I thought I was doing the right thing and even after talking to Hades on the second day, I still kept the same routine for another day as I desperately needed isolation to sort out my mind.

But I think I've figured out a few things now. I might not be able to control each part of my life but I’m willing to try and be just a little better than before.

For my grandpa. For my peace.

And for my freedom.

I went to sit next to him and took him in a hug. “I missed you.” I whispered.

He returned the hug and held me to his chest. “I missed you more, sweetheart.”

“You’re not supposed to forgive her so easily, dad. She ignored us for four days.” Ares jokes.

We broke the hug and grandpa scowled at him. “Next time you ruin our moment, I'm taking you out of my will.”

“Don’t you think that’s not a particularly good threat since your will is already in her name?” Zephyr pointed out.

“Well then I'm throwing him out of this mansion.” Grandpa corrected.

“Um it's kinda on our name…” Ares muttered.

“I have to tell you guys something…” I interjected before they could further stretch this conversation.

“Sure what is it?” Zephyr asked so casually and walked towards me.

My breathing became faster as he narrowed the gap between us until he was a few feet away and settled on the single sofa next to mine where he could clearly hear me —or attack me if I mess up.

“I wanted to say something too but I'd like to hear you first.” He said.

“You can go first, it's fine.” I immediately replied as his words had just triggered my anxiety. I was scared of what he had to say.

“No, you go first. I can wait.” When I opened my mouth to urge him again, he cut me off. “I insist.”

His politeness is due to grandpa’s presence and I'm relieved that my bodyguard still had a hold over my worst enemies.

“I was thinking…” I should’ve written a script for it. “I mean I have decided…” I tried gathering my words as four pairs of eyes looked at me. “I’ll stop doing what I was. I regret it, I'll change now.” Grandpa looked at me skeptical so I added. “For real this time.”

“What exactly are you referring to?” Zephyr asked calmly like he hasn't been a least bit affected by my resolution.

I bit my lip and looked away before mumbling. “Getting with older men...”

“What about sneaking out?” Hades questioned.

“That too.”

“Smoking and alcohol and other stuff?” Ares joined the conversation.

“I won't anymore.”

“Talking to your mother?” Grandpa asked quietly.

My eyes widened when I heard his words. He knew. Grandpa knew I was meeting mom behind his back. I shouldn't have trusted Hades to keep my secret and I should’ve confessed it to grandpa right after my failed attempt to sneak out.

I have betrayed him and misused his trust in the worst way possible. I know he’s hurt because of it and I can't help but feel so guilty about it.

“I… I'm sorry, grandpa. I didn't mean to, it just happened and I…” I trailed off.

“I would’ve preferred if you came to me when you wanted to meet her. We could've discussed why it wasn't the right decision.”

“I know…” I scooted closer to him and held his hand. “I'm so sorry. I will never ever meet her again.”

“Don't give it up because I'm telling you, but because it is the right thing to do.”

“It’s not just that. I understand she wasn't good for me. She was using me for money and… she probably didn't really care about me…”

“Probably?”

“Definitely.” I corrected my statement. “I shouldn't have trusted her. She always talked to me when she needed help, otherwise she wouldn't even pick up my calls.”

“If you understood that then why were you still sneaking out to meet her?”

“I don't know.” I averted my eyes to my lap. “When I do those things… it's like… I don't really think about it. I just… I just have to do it. I have to do what feels right to my heart even if my brain disagrees.”

Grandpa pulled me in a side hug and kissed my temple. “It's okay. Next time you feel the same, you’ll come to me and we'll figure it out together.”

“Okay.”

“The most important thing is that you're willing to change and I can't tell you how proud I am of you for it.” He gave me a genuine smile which I returned.

“You forgave me?” I asked, already knowing the answer.

“Well it's a little difficult to stay mad at you.” He sighed dramatically.

“Because I'm your favorite.” I kissed his cheek.

“Dad doesn't have favorites.” I don't know what made Ares think he could interfere in our conversation again.

“I actually do.” Grandpa stated. “It's Athena.”

“See!” I exclaimed proudly. “I'm the best.”

“He’s saying that cause grandparents are biased with grandkids, not because you're better than us.” Ares rolled his eyes at me.

“Seriously?” Grandpa shook his head in disappointment.

“It wasn't a dig, I was just stating facts.” Ares shrugged.

I wasn't in a mood to fight so I ignored his childish debate. And I'm secure enough to know grandpa genuinely loves me the most.

“Since we have sorted one matter, I'd like to discuss the other.” Zephyr said, looking directly at me and my heart stopped in anticipation of bad news. “I’ve selected a psychiatrist for you and I want you to start sessions with her immediately.”

My eyes widened and I instantly declined. “I don't need a psychiatrist. I'm perfectly fine.”

“So we know.” He said rather sarcastically. “But there are some concepts that a professional may help you better understand than us or you trying on your own.”

“Look Zephyr,” I sat up straight as my bones started to dense up with discomfort. “I just made some mistakes. It wasn't a disorder. I don't need some psycho treatment.”

“Psychiatry is not limited to mental disorders, it also includes emotional and behavioral disorders, few of which I think you need help with. For example, your attraction to older men, or disregard for their disgusting feelings, or the trust you put in the wrong people, your tendencies to smoke or drink and… if you feel any sexual urges… All of that could be easier to sort out with professional help. She'll guide you in the right direction.”

“But I think I can do it myself. There's not a lot to sort out. I know- I always knew I was wrong and now I'm ready to change it. Why do I need a psychiatrist if I have it all figured out.” I argued.

“Because when you do it yourself, it's much easier to go back to that lifestyle. So it's better to have someone with whom you could truthfully share what you feel, who will guide you, who will teach you techniques to manage yourself and who will hold you accountable so you know when you knowingly or subconsciously make a mistake.”

I stayed silent because what he said did make sense. I did have the issues he was providing a solution for. I did want to sort them out in the right way. And I do know I don't have the best control of my mind.

“How about you just try it for two weeks. If you don't like it then we can always figure something else out. How does that sound?” Grandpa suggested.

This is why I love grandpa. While Zephyr was ordering me, grandpa was giving me a choice. Although I would comply better with an approach like Zephyr’s —which is why I probably deserve it, I prefer being treated with gentleness.

“Okay… two weeks.” I agreed.

“Share with me the psychiatrist’s details.” Hades asked Zephyr who narrowed his eyes in return but eventually nodded.

“Um, I was also thinking…” I brought everyone’s attention back to myself. “Now that… you know I'm trying to change and I'll behave so can I… I need my phone...”

If I don't get my phone back, then my whole motivation for becoming a better person would go downhill. And I might end up sneaking out just to spite my captators.

“Are you sure you're not doing this just to get your phone back?” Ares asked, looking at me suspiciously.

I instantly shook my head. “No, I realized my mistake and I genuinely want to be better.”

“I think we should be lenient this time. Trust is necessary to help a person move on from their past.” Grandpa came in my support.

“Your phone’s in my room, I'll send it over to you after dinner.” Hades told me and a huge smile appeared on my face.

“Thank you so much. I promise I will never ever do anything like that again.”

“I hope you won't.”

“One more thing…” It felt like I was putting my life in danger with this one. “I want to go home.” Zephyr expressions immediately changed from neutral to pissed off. “I'm not gonna repeat my mistakes and I know I'm a burden here so why not let me go? I don't have any wrong intentions for wanting to go back, I just want to resume my normal life. This setting is not… it's not comfortable for me”

Zephyr stood up with clear distaste. “I told you, you're not going anywhere. Get it inside your head.”

“Please, Zephyr.” I nearly begged. “I can't live here, I feel suffocated here.” I gulped when his eyes turned fierce. “You don't even like me. Don't force me just because-” of your ego. “Because you think I’ll go back to my past life. I won't. I promise.”

Zephyr exhaled a deep breath and looked at me with so much rage that I thought he'd pull out a gun. He probably didn't because grandpa won't ever forgive him for it.

“I thought I made it clear last time that I’m not trying to control you.” So I should’ve taken his words of rage seriously? “I'm doing this to help you. If you think you don't need my help, you're wrong.” Narcissist. “And when it comes to letting you go, that's not happening. You're staying with me.”

“As?” I barely whispered but everyone heard me.

Nobody has a change of heart in just one night. Zephyr isn't keeping me because he suddenly realized his responsibility towards me. He's adamant on not letting me go because he thinks it's disrespectful to him if I sleep around.

He doesn't care about me. His ego got hurt.

But he's unable to see that. He's so focused on correcting all sixteen years of my mess ups, that he's forgotten how much he hates me.

“As my daughter.”

It was worse than being shot by him. He couldn't just say something like that. It's not a joke. My feelings are not a joke.

For years I've longed for parents and now a man that should’ve stepped up for me, is offering to take me as his own. But I can't accept him.

I can't forgive him for all my suffering.

Why would I anyway? He's lying. He doesn't really want me.

“That's funny.” I let out an uncomfortable chuckle. Nobody joined in.

“I'm not joking.”

I turned to look at grandpa and the way he was looking at me, I knew he's had this conversation already. He knew Zephyr wanted to suddenly play my father.

Just because he caught me in bed with a man.

“I'm not your daughter.” I mumbled. “This will never work. I won't ever accept you. I won't love you. I won't willingly live with you. And I won't ever ever ever forgive you for everything you've done to me.”

Tears started dripping down my face as I let out the broken sob. Grandpa draps an arm around my shoulders and hugs me to himself. But my eyes were fixed on Zephyr as his was on mine.

“I’ve hurt you. You have all the right to be mad at me. But just like you, I want to change. I want to be better. For you.”

The more he spoke, the more pieces my heart shattered into. It was better when I knew he didn't want me because now he’s putting it all on me.

“I'm sorry for all the pain I've caused you. I know I can't rewind the past but I won't let your future be spent without the presence of the father you need.”

“I have a father. It's grandpa. I don't need anyone else.” I cried harder now.

“I won't deny that because for years he has taken up my responsibility which I’m extremely grateful for. But now, it's time I step up.”

“My life doesn't change according to your awakenings.”

Zephyr shook his head slightly. “I'm guessing you're not in the mood to understand.” He spoke ever so calmly. “It'll take time but you'll eventually accept me.”

“Is that a threat?” I ask with slight fear lacing my voice.

“A request.” Didn't sound like it.

“For now,” He picks up his leather jacket beside him. “You should know this is your home and I'm your father. Respect me and love me as you should-”

“Both are earned.” Grandpa added, sounding unimpressed by his words.

“I will.” He said without a doubt in his voice. “And until then it may all seem like torture to you but trust me darling, I will give you the world. You just have to accept me.”

“What if I don't?”

He ignores my question like it was never asked. “You can continue your school from next month because I need to get some security measures in place.” He told me. “Also before I forget, there's a gala in US next weekend, I'm taking you there.”

Before I could protest, Hades did it for me. “We can't take her there. Everyone will know she's related to us.” Of course he doesn't like that.

If Zephyr miraculously came around, doesn't mean the other two will as well.

“I will introduce her as my daughter. There won't be any mentions of you two in regards to her.” Zephyr explained.

“That's not what our concern is, Zephyr.” Ares gritted through his teeth. “They can't know she’s one of us.”

“I can ensure my daughter's safety so no matter what you think is right, I will introduce her to the world.”

“What if you change your mind next month? Then what? Will she ever get a normal life after this?” What does that mean?

“I will never change my mind.”

“You can't decide for her. She's not just yours.” Hades argued, raising his voice.

“She is mine and only mine.” Zephyr stepped towards him with a smug look on his face. “Unless you want to share the responsibility.”

Why the fuck are they talking about me like I'm a property to be owned?

When both the brothers chose silence, Zephyr scoffed, “So I thought.”

“You’ve lost your mind.” Ares muttered before leaving the room.